Do you think some things are meant to be? It seems to be the case for me. When I first got a newsletter from Justin and Mary about their Walk Through A Wedding Workshop, I was curious and excited. I would love to do that! But New Haven CT is quite a bit away from Virginia, then add my husband’s military schedule, kids spring break…. Yeah, that was not going to work… I added that to my wish list and moved on. With family matters happening in Maine and spring break for my girls, we decided to head up north… And then I came across the reminder about the workshop. I talked to my husband and there I was – all signed up for the workshop!! Timing really worked out! Sure, it required way more travel, but that didn’t really matter – I love to travel, plus we used to live in CT. It was so nice to catch up with many of our close friends!

The workshop
We started with a beautifully styled dinner at Justin and Mary’s house – the food, music, and company was wonderful! We had lots of fun playing ‘Heads Up!’ And then two full days of learning, photographing, sharing ideas, and digging deeper into our souls.

Erin and Peter, Becca and Analisa, our models, were graciously following directions from many photographers, while Justin and Mary were there to help out and offer advice as we worked through different scenarios. The Chamard Vinyeard in Clinton, CT was a beautiful place for us to photograph (with cake, beautifully set tables, invitations and flowers set up in a barn) and despite the pouring rain, we were able to explore this beautiful venue. The attending photographers, at different stages of their businesses, became friends. Learning from each other was just an additional benefit from the workshop.

On the second day, we headed to Lighthouse Point Park in New Haven to photograph in harsh light. We discussed so many aspects of being a photographer and business owners during those two amazing days. I’ve learned so much and I am excited to put that all into practice during upcoming weddings and family sessions.

Thank you Justin and Mary for your hospitality, generosity, and knowledge. It was an unforgettable experience!

I challenged myself in my photography and business this year. It was going to be about stepping out of my comfort zone, trying new things and learning even more.

Styled shoot at Jasmine Plantation was definitely fitting into this goal. It was something I have never done before.

It was a sunny and warm spring-like day in February at the Historic Jasmine Plantation in Providence Forge, VA.

A wonderful group of creatives and small business owners from Hampton Roads area came up with a vision of Industrial Garden styled shoot and I was thrilled to be invited to be a part of it. Industrial decor and gorgeous arrangement designed by Annette were a contrasting, yet complimenting element at this historic venue.

Not only the theme was beautifully executed, but also we all made the day about having fun, supporting each other, building relationships and creating an amazing production.

Let me introduce these wonderful friends!

One of my goals was not only the capture beautiful results, I also wanted to capture the high energy, friendships and collaboration. Check out our behind the scenes here.

Charles captured the whole event on video.

It was a pleasure working side by side with Lindsey Lyons and watching her in action. Check out her take on this here.

Recently I started a course to learn even more about photography and light. One of the first assignments made us dig deep inside to figure out why we are photographers, why we do what we do. It was quite amazing to peel the layers of my why.

Yes, I love photography. I love capturing those special moments that we want to remember forever – the first look on the wedding day, the ring on her finger, the first kiss, dance, family together, children growing up. And I promise, I will do anything I can to make them beautiful and special. But there is something more. A deeper reason for why I am a photographer.

I treasure the photographs that show you not only how you and your family look, but how you are together. The ones that show the emotion, relationship, and connection you have. The ones that fill your heart with that moment… The groom looking lovingly at his new wife, the unexpected giggle on a daughter’s face when her dad says something silly to make her laugh, siblings goofing and playing together or a grandpa teaching his grandchild how to make his special pancakes…

Those every day special moments, that we remember vividly years later, but sometimes find hard to describe because of how much they mean to us… Those moments, they often are not caught on the camera, but stay etched in our memories. They become a treasure because they are so unique, created only by your family and often impossible to repeat.

I have lots of photos of my daughters and special people in my life. I am finding ways to have more photos with them, not only of them. I want my daughters to have photos they will show their children and tell the stories about what was happening when that picture was taken and what makes it special. And I want your photos to be just like that – for you.

Our day started with a road trip to Berryville, VA; our destination – Historic Rosemont Manor, where Stephanie and Robert’s wedding was going to take place.
The Rosemont Manor offers stunning historic architecture and breathtaking mountain scenery. And as luck would have it this fall day was a beautiful, rich in colors, had amazing views and was clear with just a few clouds.

When we arrived, everyone was in a great mood; the atmosphere was full of excitement! Ashlyn and her team, from Transformations Artistry, did a wonderful job highlighting the bride’s and bridal party’s beauty with makeup and hairstyling. The gentlemen were enjoying an early afternoon filled with fun conversations, memories, and laughter.

Kari, from Two River Events, had everything under control – the bride and groom could enjoy their wedding day without a worry. If you are ever looking for a person to assist in making your wedding day smooth – she is your lady!

The couple decided to have their first look inside the venue. It was a perfect spot for Robert to see his bride for the first time, as she walked gracefully down the stairs. It was a gorgeous moment filled with smiles and tears of joy!

The ceremony took place outside where the mountains and fall colors of the trees provided a stunning background as Stephanie and Robert exchanged their vows. They mixed bread starter (a base to the loaves of bread being prepped for baking), signifying a special “new beginning.” I loved how this fits their relationship, as they enjoy exploring new foods and cooking. After all, their engagement session was photographed at a brewery in Charlottesville, VA!

The reception venue was amazing with strings of lights making it intimate and comfortable.

Throughout the day, one thing stood out with this stunning couple – the way Robert looked at Stephanie. He looked at her the way every woman wants their man to look at them, with absolute love and endearment in his eyes. Their mutual love and support was visible in every aspect of the event like their lovely first dance to the tunes of Amado Mio by Pink Martini.

The reception was filled with laughter and dance. The DJ – Kirk of Kirkabee Deejays was fantastic! His skillful choice of music got everyone on the dance floor, regardless of age.

A macaroon tower was a delightful twist to the traditional wedding cake. Carefully selected beverages and delicious food added to the festivities accentuating a great time!

Stephanie and Robert – May your life together be filled with love, laughter, and wonderful adventures!

Riverwalk Landing in historic Yorktown is pretty amazing! You can walk along the river, enjoy the beach, visit many little shops, the Watermen’s Museum and few pubs and restaurants. Many times you may be lucky enough to see a sailboat or two – some pretty spectacular (L’Hermione was there in June and El Galeòn will be in November). There is plenty of history to explore nearby and it’s fun to spend time during many events that are hosted there.

I love it for variety beautiful backdrops for family or engagement photos. Sunsets at the river are gorgeous, especially when the sky is full of clouds! Sometimes after a session I stay longer to enjoy an outdoor jazz concert or just a quiet walk. It quickly became one of my favorite places to visit after we moved to Virginia few years ago and holds many good memories.

Recently I met Adele, Bill and Megan for a sunset marine family photo session. Adele had a vision that Riverwalk Landing was perfect for. They arrived in great moods, beautiful outfits and ready for fun! And we had lots of it! Six-year-old Megan played fantastic assistant making her parents laugh and beam with joy. It was great to hear her posing them “and now you both kiss me on the cheeks”! And they were happy to listen! They are wonderful to spend time with! I enjoyed walking, chatting and laughing with them. Bill adores both of his ladies and Megan is a little sparkle of sunshine! I love her sense of humor and spirited personality! Adele makes little kids dreams come true by helping their parents plan Disney trips. A stunning sunset rolled in and we were lucky to catch views of few boats with open sails – a lovely addition to Adele’s vision of their photographs.